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Author Spotlight: Advancing Corneal Innervation Research Through Innovative Models
Published on: December 8, 2023
Curcumin nanoparticles inhibit corneal neovascularization
Nirparaj Pradhan1, Rajdeep Guha2, Sushovan Chowdhury2
1West Bengal University of Animal and Fishery Sciences, 37 & 68 Kshudiram Bose Sarani, Belgachia, Kolkata, 700037, West Bengal, India.
Unlabelled:
Corneal neovascularization is a leading cause for compromised vision. Therapeutic prevention of corneal neovascularization is a major clinical challenge, and there is a compelling need to seek effective and safe therapy for this pathology. This study is aimed to evaluate curcumin nanoparticle for prevention of corneal neovascularization. MePEG-PCL nanoparticles were successfully prepared and characterized. The nanoparticle of curcumin has shown increased efficiency in preventing angiogenic sprouting in vitro. Topical delivery of curcumin nanoparticle in the eye showed enhanced retention of curcumin in the cornea, and significant improvement in prevention of corneal neovascularization over free curcumin as graded clinically and by histopathology; suppression in the expression of VEGF, inflammatory cytokines, and MMP was evidenced in the treated cornea. Curcumin inhibited NFκB in LPS-induced corneal cells. Histopathology and scanning electron microscopy showed absence of any adverse change in the corneal structure following application of curcumin nanoparticle. Therefore, we conclude that curcumin nanoparticle can be a potential candidate for prevention of corneal neovascularization.
Key Message:
• Curcumin nanoparticles show enhanced retention of curcumin in the cornea. • Curcumin NPs suppress the expression of VEGF, inflammatory cytokines, and MMP. • Curcumin NPs prevent corneal neovascularization by suppressing the NFκB pathway. • Curcumin NPs may be a promising candidate for prevention of corneal neovascularization.
Insights
Curcumin nanoparticles effectively prevent corneal neovascularization by enhancing drug retention and suppressing key inflammatory markers. This novel nanoparticle formulation shows promise as a safe and effective therapy for vision-compromising eye conditions.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Nanomedicine
- Biomaterials
Background:
- Corneal neovascularization (CNV) significantly impairs vision and presents a major therapeutic challenge.
- Current treatments for CNV lack efficacy and safety, necessitating novel therapeutic strategies.
- Curcumin, a natural compound, possesses anti-angiogenic properties but suffers from poor bioavailability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of curcumin nanoparticles (NPs) for the prevention of corneal neovascularization.
- To assess the safety and ocular retention of topical curcumin NPs.
- To elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms of curcumin NP-mediated CNV prevention.
Main Methods:
- Curcumin-loaded MePEG-PCL nanoparticles were synthesized and characterized.
- In vitro assessment of anti-angiogenic effects on sprouting.
- In vivo topical ocular delivery in a rabbit model of corneal neovascularization.
- Clinical grading, histopathology, and molecular analysis (VEGF, cytokines, MMP, NFκB) were performed.
Main Results:
- Curcumin NPs demonstrated enhanced anti-angiogenic activity in vitro.
- Topical application resulted in superior curcumin retention in the cornea compared to free curcumin.
- Significant reduction in CNV was observed clinically and histopathologically.
- Suppression of VEGF, inflammatory cytokines, MMPs, and NFκB activation was evidenced in treated corneas.
- No adverse effects on corneal structure were noted.
Conclusions:
- Curcumin nanoparticles offer enhanced corneal retention and potent anti-CNV effects.
- The mechanism involves suppression of VEGF, inflammatory pathways, and NFκB signaling.
- Curcumin NPs represent a promising, safe therapeutic candidate for preventing corneal neovascularization.
